"Our aircraft was never in Iranian airspace. It was always flying in international air space. The recognized limit is 12 nautical miles off the coast and we never entered the 12 nautical mile limit," Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said in responding to questions from reporters after CNN reported the incident.

Little said the United States believed this was the first time an unmanned aircraft was shot at by the Iranians in international waters over the Gulf. In December of 2011, a U.S. surveillance drone crashed in eastern Iran. Iranians claimed to have shot it down, and created a toy model of the drone to celebrate its capture.

Little stopped short of calling the incident an act of war although the Pentagon was concerned.

Two U.S. officials explained the jets were part of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps force, which has been more confrontational than regular Iranian military forces.

At least two bursts of gunfire came from the Su-25s' cannons. The drone started to move away but the Iranian aircraft chased it, doing aerial loops around it before breaking away and returning to Iran.

The Obama administration did not disclose the incident before the presidential election, but three senior officials confirmed the details to CNN on Thursday. They declined to be identified because of sensitive intelligence matters surrounding the matter.

The drone's still and video cameras captured the incident showing two Su-25s approaching the Predator and firing onboard guns.

The Iranian pilots continued to fire shots that went beneath the Predator but were never successful in hitting it, according to the officials.

U.S. military intelligence analysts are still not sure if the Iranian pilots simply were unable to hit the drone due to lack of combat skill, or whether they deliberately were missing and had no intention of bringing it down.

But as one of the officials said, "it doesn't matter, they fired on us."

Little said the United States has to assume Iran was trying to bring down the Predator.

The United States protested the incident but had not heard back from Iran.

"The officials declined to be identified because of sensitive intelligence matters surrounding the matter." Then maybe you should be Patriotic Americans and not publish things about "sensitive intelligence matters". Or you could be journailists. Oh wait, never mind. You'll be neither.

The Media is going to defend Obama again and side with Obama and brain wash American people into believing that Iranians sent over Christmas presents instead of attacking the Drones. Or perhaps 'Iranians attacked the Drones because George Bush was piloting the Drone' 'The Iranians were just joking around with us'

What if an un armed Iranian drone was buzzing around Pittsburgh? Or Atlanta? Or Langley? How long would it last? How would the people of Iran know whether it was unarmed or not? How could jet planes "not catch up" to a propeller driven drone? There's something fishy about this story.

November 8, 2012 at 6:18 pm |

Nicoya

"The Obama administration did not disclose the incident, which occurred just days before the presidential election on November 1, but three senior officials confirmed the details to CNN". I'm just wondering if CNN sat on the story also till after the elections (Just wondering).

That's a rediculous comment. We're talking about international waters. During the cold war, there were Russian nuclear subs 2 miles off the coast of Florida. Anyone who took a Carnival cruise at that time remembers. You could see them plain as day. We never shot at them.

The contiguous zone – "The contiguous zone is a band of water extending from the outer edge of the territorial sea to up to 24 nautical miles (44 km; 28 mi) from the baseline, within which a state can exert limited control for the purpose of preventing or punishing "infringement of its customs, fiscal, immigration or sanitary laws and regulations within its territory or territorial sea". This will typically be 12 nautical miles (22 km; 14 mi) wide, but could be more (if a state has chosen to claim a territorial sea of less than 12 nautical miles), or less, if it would otherwise overlap another state's contiguous zone. However, unlike the territorial sea there is no standard rule for resolving such conflicts, and the states in question must negotiate their own compromise. The United States invoked a contiguous zone out to 24 nmi on 24 September 1999."

In my opinion, espionage would certainly come under 'infringement of customs'. No nation would, or even should, permit such blatant surveillance.

I love how no one else can have nuclear anything but last time i checked u s a was the only nation to ever use one out of hatred and we did it twice. On women and children not even military targets. Im ashamed to be an american.

Your all retards you cant just move anywhere everywhere has immigration laws you idiots and unlike the good ole usa they enforce them. I wish there was a way to opt out and never see another piece of human trash ever again but the only way is death and im waaaaay to cool for that so all you leeches just kill yourselves i would greatly appreciate it and if you all want to by me a ticket ill take one to norway just let me wade through the sea of turd colored people to get to the airport.

After finally getting out of Iraq and nearing the end of the Afghanistan fiasco, it's hard to believe there are Americans that still lust for another war in Iran. Make sure you enlist so you can get a good view.

November 8, 2012 at 6:11 pm |

Hitman

Sorry, the messiah is too busy patting himself on the back after his recrowning!

My friend, Israeli never attacked any US citizen in International waters. Iranians on the other hand, did attack the Drones.

November 8, 2012 at 6:03 pm |

Roy Ryan

I call BS, Chris. There was a kid on board the Mavi Marmara, in international waters, that was executed by the IDF. He was an American citizen.

November 8, 2012 at 6:15 pm |

Joey

Why would this event or the so-called supression of it being in the news change the way you would have voted? c'mon man. There are far more important issues at home and hundreds of encounters like this you will never read about. learn history before accusing the President of having committed treason..or learn what treason is first. p.s moving to colorado

Maybe because we Americans like free press. Why should anyone be happy that the government suppressed information until after an election? That doesn't bother you? If George Bush did it, would it bother you? Please be honest.

More war is just what we need while the economy is in a death spiral. The neocons are instigating this and trying to suck Iran into war by flying drones over and near their border so they will retaliate. Then they can dupe the amerikan people once again. The sad thing is that they will probably get away with it – again. If Amerikans would just have the sense to learn what is going on and study history a bit, they would never allow this. The fascist globalists are trying to entrap Iran and here we go again.

You have to wonder, if the Iranians shot down a US figher jet in international air space, and killed the pilot, on Nov. 1st, and only the military knew about it, would Obama have allowed that information to go public? Based on his record, I would guess no, he would have held that information until after the election or maybe indefinitely.

Obama is still there looking for them. By the way, recently Syrian ambassador said he will use WMD's against the rebels. I remember a former Iraqi General saying that Saddam shipped the WMD's to Syria during the Iraq Liberation.

November 8, 2012 at 5:54 pm |

Infedel Castro

Libtards assume if you don't like Pres Islama then you love W. Haha, too brainwashed to realize they are the same guy. W=spent $ like Chuckie Sheen on a 20 yr bender and lied about Iraq/WMD's
Pres Islama=spent $ like Chuckie AND Andy Dick on a 20 yr bender, lied about Benghazi

November 8, 2012 at 6:09 pm |

Roy Ryan

This gets more coverage than Israels murder of an American teenager in International Waters?

Israeli military mistook a US ship as an Egyptian ship. Most of the Israeli soldiers came from Europe and around the world and they accidentally fired on the US ship. Investigations on both sides have shown that it was a mistake.

In May 1968, the Israeli government paid US$3,323,500 (US$22.2 million in 2012) as full payment to the families of the 34 men killed in the attack. In March 1969, Israel paid a further $3,566,457 in compensation to the men who had been wounded. On 18 December 1980, it agreed to pay $6 million as settlement for the final U.S. bill of $17,132,709 for material damage to the Liberty itself plus 13 years' interest.

The Iranians attacked the Drones on purpose. They know that Obama won't respond and that Obama is weak on foreign policy.

November 8, 2012 at 6:02 pm |

Roy Ryan

The USS Liberty. And that wasn't an act of war? We certainly are selective on who we want to commit acts of war against us. I suppose our drones killing children in other countries aren't considered acts of war either, at least not by neo-con zionist warmongers and thier brainwashed stooges.

November 8, 2012 at 6:04 pm |

Hitman

Liberalism is truly a mental disorder forced on students in most American schools!

November 8, 2012 at 6:07 pm |

JOJO

????????? The landing of a UFO in Times Square didn't get much coverage either!

This reminds me of IR Flight 655 when the Pentagon said the USS Vincennes was in international waters, but it wasn't. It was in Iranian waters. The Pentagon then said the commericial airline transponder was turned off, but it wasn't. Then it said the plane was descending when the black box proved it was climbing steeply. Then it said the airplane was outside the commercial corridor when the black box proved it wasn't. Then the US killed 290 Iranians, many of them women and children as it blasted a commerical airliner out of the sky. Then, they gave the commander of the ship a medal and a promotion for slaughtering innocent civilians. This is my own government and I hope if it wages war on Iran it destroyes itself. I am ashamed at my government and there will only be justice when people like Bush and Obama stand trial for war crimes.

The Vincennes didn't just fire on the airliner out of the blue. Earlier that day, the V was south of where they had contact with the airliner. Iranian gunboats were harrassing (provoking or testing them – use what you will) for hours. Vincennes had some engineering issues, one CIWS mount down and possibly a radar issue. Vincennes traveled north out of the gunboat's operating area. So the Vincennes was still at a state of readiness although their systems were degraded. The airliner wasn't broadcasting a IFF signal. Their CO tried to make contact with the airliner a few times with no response. He acted with the information available; which was very very little.

This is what America wanted when they voted for Obama!!! do you think iran would ever have the guts to do this with a real leader?? and its funny how this wasn't released until 3 days later.. 1st Obama covers up a terrorist attack in libya which killed one who represents us and all our states! the he covers up about this. im suuure 100% sure Obama called iran to apologize. PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES THIS IS WAR! THINK ABOUT IT.. WHEN ANOTHER NATION STRIKES AMMUNITION AT ANOTHER NATION THAT IS CALLED WAR. WHERE IS OBAMA???

Obama is where he needs to be, The United States Of America. You have no right being on our Land. You whites in America are so stupid and Ignorant. The Only Thing that "White people has done is cause havoc and destruction through out the world. funny thing is, you whites have used propaganda and false accusation to lie to the american people. There is no need to take this country back, because it hasn't gone anywhere ... except forward ... toward a more perfect union where the "All-American look" is getting a little bit harder to define. If you love your country so much, why are you in Iran? Money, Power, Control, but no Respect!!!!!

Whens the last time any of our media questioned the propaganda handed to them by the government?

November 8, 2012 at 5:46 pm |

Saeed

Can anyone compare that with the following historical fact?

Tehran, July 3 – On the morning of 3rd of July 1988, an Iran Air airbus passenger plane, flight number 655, took off from the port city of Bandar Abbas for a routine thrice a week flight to Dubai across the Persian Gulf with 290 passengers on board inclu ding 160 men, 73 women and 57 children.

It was cruising unsuspecting of the dangers that lurked below. While it was still in Iranian airspace, unknown to it, an American warship had stealthily entered Iranian coastal waters. At 10.22 AM, exactly five minutes after flight's departure from Band ar Abbas, the Commander of USS Vincennes, Captain Will Rogers ordered the firing of two missiles at the Iranian passenger.

The plane immediately exploded in mid air, splintered and crashed into the waters of the Persian Gulf. There were no survivors. All 290 passengers went to a watery grave. Among the victims of the American crime against humanity, 37 passengers were non-I ranians and were nationals of Italy, Yugoslavia, Pakistan, India and some Persian Gulf Arab states.

According to Captain Rogers, they were being attacked by eight Iranian gun boats. Vincennes was defending themselves from this attack when the plane was shot at with two standard missiles. Crucially, the Vincennes misidentified the Iranian Airbus as an attacking F-14 Tomcat fighter aircraft. A radio warning had been sent to the aircraft on the international air distress frequency.

OOH!!! The holy officials in pentagon says this, We must trust them!! we must not question them!! we must wage war to iran. STFU idiots! If any drones fly 16 miles to america, we would have shot it down.

You have lost the point Chris.. it is not the fact we would of shot their drone down.. it is the fact it was not even discussed till AFTER the election.. an increasingly Angry Iran.. would not have fit Obama's campaign strategy. So why not manipulate the American public to believe otherwise.. it worked with Bengazi why not here? Scarey.

Someone attacks an American or American property. Obama covers up. This is getting to be old hat. What is scary is this coverup was so obviously because of the election and yet the mainstream media appears set to give it a pass. If you ask me covering up terrorist attacks and attacks against America is far worse than Watergate. In its worst light you could classify it as treasonous and at a minimum a denial of important information to voters. Glad you mentioned it CNN but my gut tells me that is all you will do. It will be swept from the front page in a short time and likely never discussed again. Journalism is in such a sad state.

It's not their pilots or air force, in general, that Israel is worried about. It's their long-range missile capabilities. Israel's AF (IAF) is by far the greatest air power in the region (ask Syria and Egypt), but even the Iron Shield missile defense system would have some trouble if missiles and mortars were falling from Gaza, Iran, and Southern Lebanon at the same time. They would have to completely wipe out Iran's return fire capabilities before possibly trying to knock out the nuclear facilities. That way, the could try to handle Gaza and Lebanon by themselves while Iran took its time regrouping.

November 8, 2012 at 5:41 pm |

GermAn

They may have intended to miss and were just mavericks having fun. But you're right if they actually wanted to hit it and missed they SUCK as pilots. The thing to remember though is that they don't have the economy to support the amount of training that the US does. So it's not the pilot's fault.

Actually, it is hard for a 500mph fighter to hit a very slow moving airplane with aimed cannon fire because the performance envelopes of the planes are so much different. In WWII, piper cub observation spotter & liason planes usually escaped attack by 300+mph fighers by changing direction and flying low and slow.

Well it looks to me as the drone was 4 miles from the sea border those were warning shots not to enter the Iranian air space. I wonder if an Iranian war drone/plane would fly 4 miles outside the border of United States heading towards New York if U.S. would be as nice and shoot just warning shots.

Thank you, O. Joe! What would happen to Iranian aircraft ANYWHERE outside of their own airspace? Let alone this close to the US? Not a big Iran fan, but why are they not 'allowed' to do what the US does 24/7 and MUCH worse?

They key question of course is why was the drone there that close in first place. Was it heading over the border? And what is maybe most amazing to me, is that CNN's story doesn't bring these questions up. Really sad. But human I guess. I bet they fear they won't get invited to the next White House Correspondents Dinner if they actually start doing their job.

November 8, 2012 at 5:36 pm |

Oh Well

They fired at the drone because it was getting footage to make a new muhamed video. After all, we have to get a new excuse ready for the next obama f up in the middle east.

Wow, ,look. Iran does just what Israel and Right wingers in the U.S. want Iran to do.. provokes the U.S. You ever wonder sometimes if we might be seeing a long running continuation of Iran Contra? That sham where Iran,Israel and Republicans hoodwinked America into various misadventures Americans didn't really want? Can't possibly be can it?

why would the Obama admin choose to hide this until after the election? HMMMM??
The appeaser in chief didnt want to seem weak in the eyes of the American people in foreign policy matters right before election day..

Regardless of the purpose of the aircraft, it still carried ammunition, and still fired on an American aircraft in international airspace. Semantics is all cool, I guess, when defending the fact hider in chief. How convenient to hide this until after the election.

Why shouldn't the Iranan;s fire at our drones? They'll only be sent over their border soon ayway.
This whole issue against Irn shows how much control the wicked Israeli's/Rothschild's central banking racket have over US foreign policy; the Iranian's haven't started a war since 1798, they are peaceful, we (the US) are desperate due to Iran no longer selling oil in our soon to be worthless dollars.

Yeah the Iranians are a peaceful lot, just ask the millions of people in mass graves there, how peaceful . Of course Obama didn't want us to know. But I already know he is a weak and pitiful excuse for a President.

How old are you Dave? Got any history in that brain of yours? Iran and Iraq have hated each other for years. Ever hear of the Iran/Iraq War? Ever hear of our embassy in Iran taken over in the 70's during Carter's administration where they held our Americans for years? Ever listen to their ambassador and how he wants to kill Israli's and Americans? Yes, a VERY peaceful country.

Funny how this whole post is all of us arguing amongst ourselves. Way to be classy, all of you. Should be ashamed. Look at the big picture and let's come together rather than this being a big Jerry Springer show where we need an excuse to argue....

We're not arguing amongst ourselves. People are on here that are part of the war machine or are acting like they are Americans to try to convince others into going to war for their profit. Others are on here playing down their propaganda and pointing out their lies. CNN has a number of paid posters from lobbyists to foreign agencies like Israel duing all they can in the psyops war on American minds.

Funny how this whole post is all of us arguing amongst ourselves. Way to be classy, all of you. Should be ashamed. Look at the big picture and let's come together rather than this being a big Jerry Springer show where we need an excuse to argue.

Funny how this whole post is all of us arguing amongst ourselves. Way to be classy, all of you. Should be ashamed. Look at the big picture and let's come together rather than this being a big Jerry Springer show where we need an excuse to argue.

Only fools and morons of the west would wish for a full blown out war, a war that has already left a devastated blow to your economies. Grow up boiz, every one knows that usa is the biggest terorist of all time.

Thats the way it has always worked. The government hides many things from us. Stop acting like it all started with Obama.

November 8, 2012 at 5:26 pm |

Tammy

Exactly why I will NEVER watch CNN again in my lifetime. They were apart of this coverup but now that the election is over they want to start talking to try and get viewers. What a shame that news is based on polital agenda. Shame on CNN and the reporters who participated.

Disclosed after the election so voters wouldn't have another reminder of how spineless most of our enemies think Obama is. Spend it all on butter Obama, and we won't have the guns we need for defense. Read your Roman history about bankrupting the nation & its ability to defend itself by pandering to the lowest, most ignorant class of voters with expensive giveaways. But this is all part of the Obama plan: pretend like only wealthy voters will pay the tab, run up a huge bill for programs we can't afford without becoming Greece, avoid dealing with the problem another 4 years, scate out of office a popular guy, and let somebody else (probably Paul Ryan) inform the middle class they in fact have to pay the bill. Obama is going to build his socialist State even if it does kill the goose that lays the golden eggs: American business. But there is an easy fix for the so called Democratic Block: Republicans need to simply run more black, hispanic and female candidates. Qualifications don't matter much to a bunch of these voters.

The "Red States" believe in themselves as Americans. They know how and want to take care of themselves and each other. Its called pride and hospitality, and the "Blue States" could use some. Providing marijuana and handouts isn't hospitable. Its enabling.

we won't have the guns we need for defense
----–
Holy F, for real? We can annihilate the entire world probably 30 times over. Yet, we still need to grow our military? We could absolutely decimate defense spending, and still have the most powerful military in the entire world, and by a very large margin.

Persian Moron, it's the Persian Gulf which does not mean that you own it, Moron. I emailed Pres. Obama on his hotmail account and told him to scramble a jet (we only need one) to smoke the two that went after a drone, Really?

For all fellow Americans who really buy into all the right wing conspiracy theories, you should be pent up in an insane asylum. In fact if we turned back the clock 50 years you probably would be committed. I truly hope you guys are ashamed of yourselves after we get through the next four years unscathed militarily with a rebounding economy, and one of the greatest presidents the world has ever known. In time all you dumbos will see what progress can be made if your willing to sacrifice a Lil to get there. Stop turning on every republican figure that shows the willingness to work across the table. We as a country want to accomplish all we can, but we can't do it if we don't work together. Please call your conservative radio stations and tell them to stop bashing boener for showing a willingness to compromise. For your parties sake I hope you guys are listening, as seen in this election, you guys need to learn that America is changing whether you like it or not.

OMG – I'm not even a Republican but you sound like a koolaid drinking fool if you buy into your own garbage! Good luck child because you are going to need it and more to survive the next 4 years of obamanation. Stock market already down almost 400 points – welcome to obama's world!

Give me one good example of a succesful black or bispanic nation please come on just one. There isnt any retard and you might say south africa but was ran by whites and now is in utter decline for last fifty years. Any if any of you need a perfect example of minorities and dems screwing things up look at california. Everyones on welfare house prices are retarded everything is vandalized and spraypainted roads are unpaved and everyone is too stoned to care. Also 5 billion in debt and no jobs except for social services whos hours have been cut. Flush it already. O ya i love how 30 million idiots had the same idea "ima quit my job and grow an sell pot" except you crashed the market and it went from 5000 a pound to 500. Hillarious.

November 8, 2012 at 5:36 pm |

Danielle

Ashamed hell we want things to be good- just don't believe the guy can do it. If he does I'll be the first to admit I didn't see it in him. It's all on you all now. Show us the money- show us the freedom-show us the jobs-show us the peace!

Go to Greece already get a first hand look at where you're beloved nut job is taking this country...or Spain...Portugal...Italy and Germany right behind absorbing all the other countries debt. ...and really...did you forget about the 47% that isn't going want to help to make this a better place...you have to work with your hands and minds and EARN MONEY to be taxed....not sit around waiting for a handout. The election was won by Obama taking advantage of an uneducated lower class that has grown by 30% over the last 4 years. All by being the biggest ever partisan teet that has ever graced 1600...

sure tex, U want to know the funniest thing of all, I voted for mitts and was just trying to get all my fellow repubs to compromise for the better of our nation. Conservatism is dying and if we want to preserve it we must change. Keep bashing me if you like but you just make yourself look that much more infantile for doing it. Come together and we can accomplish all.

November 8, 2012 at 5:21 pm |

al rodriguez

America is not changing, America is sinking because of people like you. We do not compromise, that's not the backbone of our country. we have a role to play in the world and until you and those who think like you start getting the message we'll continue sinking. The enemy is taking advantage of the lack of leadership and backbone currently displayed by our leaders, and that is going to cost us. It's easy to get away with no reporting the Iranian shooting at one of our assets, the Benghazi fiasco, the manipulation of unemployment numbers, etc when you have the backing of a corrupted media. I could only negotiate with democrats "con cojones" and those I can't find one. I hope I don't get snitched out for these comments since I'm on the CNN site. What a disgrace!!!

So we are dumbos! We are changing to a country going down the tubes with a leader that is cluelss about spending our tax money! He is no Reagan or JFK! 58 million Americans voted against this bozo! America is changing and that is for sure! Demorats are taking this ship down the drain! Common sense is what this country needs but people like you and your liberal agenda's are destroying what took 200 years to build. OBAMA what a joke!

obama will not be considered one of the greatest presidents of all time. You are mistaking greatness for simple idea that people have eyes and therefore can see that a black man and white man do not look the same. With that said, Obama will be remmbered.....i commend you on your ability to acknowledge the obvious, but not because he was one of the greatest, yet for the siple fact that he was the First Black President of America and nothing else....Yet people have a tendency to give undue overzealous worship to such "First Blacks.....". Oh and by the way all the great presidents were wartime presidents....Washinton (not great president but did win the war for us) Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S Grant (not great but won the war for union), Andrew Jackson (Stong backbone and leadership served war 1812),FDR (Best president took us out of a depression with help of war and led us to being the super power we are), AND OBAMA (he was black)...your welcome for this lesson

point taken I concur about the wartime presidents. I just truly believe Obama is trying to bring us together for the sake of America's legacy. If you were wondering, I'm a Caucasian and being black had nothing to do with my choice for president. Like said, I think you are right about the greatest presidents, they're my all time faves being a history major.

November 8, 2012 at 5:53 pm |

ProudAmerican

Really "the greatest president" wow you must live in a cave. Washington,Jefferson,Lincoln, and Regan were amazing presidents who Loved America. This clown hates America and wants to see it fail, so keep thinking your narrow minded way and let's see that you say in 4 years when you have nothing left unless you're one living off all us hardworking tax payers which from the sound of your post you probably are living off our hard work. At least y'all cant blame Bush anymore hahahaha.

nope, u can keep your money you fool I work hard to support my family and my pride wouldn't allow me to take a dime of yoursocalled taxpayer money. I just hope you never find yourself needing any taxpayer money, because if I were you I would be mighty ashamed to take it. I'll reiterate my previous statement by saying we all should come together in times like this, not split apart like enemies. Time will tell if Obama is a good president or not, he now has another four years to accomplish what he failed to do in the previous 4 years. At the same time I also believe that both Obama and boehner need to compromise on both sides to get this country moving forward. For those of you that disagree, you are the minority that stops progress from being made. After the sting of the election wears off I truly hope you guys come to your senses and realize we must move forward as one. God bless you all were all real American heroes when it comes down to it, almost all of us.

November 8, 2012 at 6:07 pm |

jorge washinsen

We should make it clear to any country from now on we will not start with grunts on the ground but with a noise they will never hear.

So Iran fires on US drones flying over Iranian land. Who exactly is in the wrong here? Who is being aggressive with who?
The U.S. gets caught flying drones over Iran and this incident will be inflated by the media as an act of unprovoked aggression. Venezuela should just fly some drones over Florida to monitor possible election fraud for fun. Fact is US has not right being all the way in the Middle East. Last time I checked, the US was located in North America! Talk about looking for trouble.

CNN this seems to be your "scoop", yet you don't seem to be publicising it much. What gives? With Benghazi, I'm convinced you weren't interested in investigating something that would most likely be damaging to the Administration. But with this, I'm thinking maybe you might be as incompetent as you are biased.

Sly, with any luck, perhaps one day Iran will give you a sample of their version of "nuclear power". Don't worry, soon enough you and your fellow geniuses will realize why those drones are overflying Iranian airspace.

They can have nuclear power, but they won't let the inspectors to their job...which probably means they're hiding something...like pursuing nuclear weapons. But on the bright side, if they build nuclear plants like they shoot down drones, they'll eventually blow themselves up.

Iran being such a peaceful neighbor, especially to Israel, I can't imagine why we would be concerned with them having nuclear power/nuclear weapons. Not to mention their respect for human rights, norms of humanity etc.

get the RUSSIAN snakes out of office and the problem will be fixed not with war let the world protest with their own people who don't even like their GOVNT but can't do much because of that KINGPIN big trouble maker

America should immediately declare war on Iran. And Syria. And Libya. And Pakistan. We should not withdraw from Afghanistan – we should triple the troops. We need to start war with Pakistan also. And Yemen. Lebanon is a threat – let's nuc them. Immediately nuc North Korea as well. While we're at it, the Russians and Chinese have been quite hostile, let's declare war on them also. And Dallas (hey, I'm a Niner fan!).

Yep, I think that would be wise to start a few wars – they are fun, our coffin-sales skyrocket, and lots of Mom's get to see their son come come in a box. Sounds smart. Oh, also Venezuela, Cuba, and LA.

I became convinced as I read your missive that you have read few, if any, books of history. Out of the mess you implied it was the fault of America. Let me say, nothing justifies 9/11. The Armed Forces of the United States tracked down and executed the head of the perpetrators. I am all for "punitive raids" as practised in the 1800's. The thing about the Middle East, as History has shown, is that if you kill enough of them they will leave you alone for a couple of hundred years. That, my friend, is the long and short of it all. Education first, posting second.

John, Bin Laden stated that he conducted 9/11 because we shot down a civilian Iranian airliner murdering about 300 people. He also mentioned us propping up the murderous right wing fascist Shah of Iran, who killed 5000 students in one protest, with our support.

The Bush Oil Invasion of Iraq was not prompted by anything. We sold Saddam all the chemical weapons, since he was our ally. We invaded (looking for Al Queda? Please) and 500,000 died.

We constantly invade the middle east. We fly drones IN Iranian airspace daily, and we all know this drone was not out for a Sunday ride, whereever it was, if it even happened.

I say if we stay out of the middle east, and quit bombing women and children, they will be less willing to attack us.

Worth a try. War with Iran is the dumbest idea I've ever heard. Aside from the President, they are a very moderate westernized nation, and being situated near Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iraq, they are potentially an important ally. Sounds crazy, but Iran is a MAJOR world player. Lots of oil, lots of power. They are not going away soon. Talk with them.

November 8, 2012 at 5:11 pm |

AM

You don't say? The US constantly invades Iranian airspace with drones (remember the drone that was downed in Iranian airspace that the Iranians claimed was hacked?) and we are supposed to be outraged that they shot and probably purposefully missed a drone that was skimming the airspace?

Talk about hypocrisy. If the US doesn't respect Iranian airspace sovereignty, why should Iran respect international waters outside their borders? The BS never ends with the United States government and media, does it?

and they first part? would it be ok for you if we fly drones 16 miles from your coast?

November 8, 2012 at 4:50 pm |

Jonas

The Russians used to fly bombers up and down our coastline all the time during the Cold War, while in international airspace...we never once shot at one of them. You obviously have zero idea about what you're talking about.....

You can't be any more retarded than right now. It's called " INTERNATIONAL WATERS"
The U.S doesn't have a shipping channel for 20% of all the oil exports leaving it's shores every year either. That's why our 5th fleet is parked off Saudi Arabia you moron. It's to insure that oil supplies don't stop. Also, please don't even speculate that Iran could even get a Drone over to the U.S to spy on us with. That little wooden toy is called a Toy not a drone that they currently have. Period!

its called Persian Gulf so its our waters. if you fly too close off our coast we shoot at you. period.

hahaha cowards! you cant even beat bare-foot cave men in afghanistan in 13 years! so we will give you a kick ass and end your super power status forever!

November 8, 2012 at 5:02 pm |

Johnson

During the Cold War, Russian bombers flew down our coastline regularly. Actually, beginning in the late 2000s they began doing it again. Also, in the late 2000s, a Russian bombing formation flew over a US battlegroup (which is actually a major no-no.) At no point did the US fire on any of these planes. Buzzing unfriendly nations is a part of playing in the big leagues and is hardly done only by the US. Your argument falls miserably.

yeah but you know no shame! if we let u come to close u may think that we are some kind of pakistan that u can rape and violate the airspace whenever you like! so have to let you know where is no go area starts eveytime!

November 8, 2012 at 5:30 pm |

Doubtful

I call bulls*&t on CNN/DOD; no corroborating third-party evidence cited. Iran has not confirmed it fired on a drone. Why release information on this "event"....a week later...and from "senior officials" which refuse to go on record? stfuplease.

No, according to the report it wasn't a MiG at all. It was an Su-25 'Frogfoot' close air support aircraft. It's a russian verision of an A-10. That said, the gun is the primary armament. Close air support pilots should be proficent at aiming it. BUT... this is the Iranian military we are talking about. 99% hot air, 1%actual ability. I forsee us going in to put them in their place. Shooting at a US aircraft is an act of war no matter what. Our aircraft do not discharge weapons at or near other aircraft, especially in international waters. Remember this people: The Iranian military is a joke. It's all bluff. They have no technology, no skill, and no experience. They are STILL flying F-14's we gave to them in the 60's and 70's. (I might be wrong WHEN we gave them to them, so someone correct me if I'm wrong.) That drone, if it was armed with something as simple as an AIM-9 Sidewinder (range varies with models, a little over a mile usually) could have shot both of them down. The Iranians are beating their chest right now. But they're the ones who are gonna get rocked when the US and everyone else gets sick of agression in the most important oil route in the world.

That's a good point and our military officials know that too...so does the Iranian military....I see this story provided BY THE US MILITARY as propaganda to strike Iran or get support from the international community for more sanctions....

You invade their airspace with a military vehicle, unarmed or not, and don't expect to get an aggressive response? Come on, seriously. I wonder what would happen if an Iranian drone flew in US airspace. Answer: WAR. Stop being hypocrites.

I definitely believe the top secret people who wish to remain unidentified but provided all the specifics of this article enough to also believe they would disclose the position of the drone, and that position just happens to be in a place where they are conveniently not to blame. Sounds legit.

November 8, 2012 at 4:57 pm |

chris

I agree with your sentiment but it was international airspace, not Iranian airspace.

I definitely believe the top secret people who wish to remain unidentified but provided all the specifics of this article enough to also believe they would disclose the position of the drone, and that position just happens to be in a place where they are conveniently not to blame. Sounds legit.

November 8, 2012 at 4:57 pm |

Jonas

The drone was in international airspace, you idiot. The bigger story is that the MSM and the White House intentionally covered the story up until AFTER the election.....

I definitely believe the top secret people who wish to remain unidentified but provided all the specifics of this article enough to also believe they would disclose the position of the drone, and that position just happens to be in a place where they are conveniently not to blame. Sounds legit.

November 8, 2012 at 4:56 pm |

dg

Shut up hippy. The only reason you ignorant @ss can sit behind a screen and type is because of the action US military takes.

I definitely believe the top secret people who wish to remain unidentified but provided all the specifics of this article enough to also believe they would disclose the position of the drone, and that position just happens to be in a place where they are conveniently not to blame. Sounds legit.

November 8, 2012 at 4:56 pm |

Pappy

I know reading is difficult for some people so let me cut and paste this section....."The drone was in international airspace east of Kuwait"

I definitely believe the top secret people who wish to remain unidentified but provided all the specifics of this article enough to also believe they would disclose the position of the drone, and that position just happens to be in a place where they are conveniently not to blame. Sounds legit.

November 8, 2012 at 4:56 pm |

tat2diablo74

What was in report was drone was in international air space near Kuwait.

I definitely believe the top secret people who wish to remain unidentified but provided all the specifics of this article enough to also believe they would disclose the position of the drone, and that position just happens to be in a place where they are conveniently not to blame. Sounds legit.

November 8, 2012 at 4:56 pm |

AJ

Did you even read the article or does international airspace mean nothing to you?

I definitely believe the top secret people who wish to remain unidentified but provided all the specifics of this article enough to also believe they would disclose the position of the drone, and that position just happens to be in a place where they are conveniently not to blame. Sounds legit.

I definitely believe the top secret people who wish to remain unidentified but provided all the specifics of this article enough to also believe they would disclose the position of the drone, and that position just happens to be in a place where they are conveniently not to blame. Sounds legit.

I definitely believe the top secret people who wish to remain unidentified but provided all the specifics of this article enough to also believe they would disclose the position of the drone, and that position just happens to be in a place where they are conveniently not to blame. Sounds legit.

I definitely believe the top secret people who wish to remain unidentified but provided all the specifics of this article enough to also believe they would disclose the position of the drone, and that position just happens to be in a place where they are conveniently not to blame. Sounds legit.

November 8, 2012 at 4:55 pm |

KillaJ

Obviously you missed the part about this taking place in international airspace.

You are mistaken. According to the article, we were not flying in Iranian airspace. The article reads that "...(t)he drone was in international airspace east of Kuwait, U.S. officials said, adding it was engaged in routine maritime surveillance." Of graver concern is the Obama administration's calculated silence regarding the incident before the election.

I definitely believe the top secret people who wish to remain unidentified but provided all the specifics of this article enough to also believe they would disclose the position of the drone, and that position just happens to be in a place where they are conveniently not to blame. Sounds legit.

I definitely believe the top secret people who wish to remain unidentified but provided all the specifics of this article enough to also believe they would disclose the position of the drone, and that position just happens to be in a place where they are conveniently not to blame. Sounds legit.

November 8, 2012 at 4:55 pm |

Coeus

So, you just ignored the part where it was in international airspace & closer to Kuwait? Nice.

I definitely believe the top secret people who wish to remain unidentified but provided all the specifics of this article enough to also believe they would disclose the position of the drone, and that position just happens to be in a place where they are conveniently not to blame. Sounds legit.

November 8, 2012 at 5:03 pm |

msvf

I would think the world would thank Iran for nearly removing one of those drones who seem to only extralegally kill civilians from existence.

Those pilots must suck at air combat if they can't hit a drone. Makes you wonder about their Infantry and Armour training. For all their bluster they must know they have little chance in a conventional war with Israel or the U.S.

CNN welcomes a lively and courteous discussion as long as you follow the Rules of Conduct set forth in our Terms of Service. Comments are not pre-screened before they post. You agree that anything you post may be used, along with your name and profile picture, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the license you have granted pursuant to our Terms of Service.

Search Security Clearance

Share this blog

About this blog

CNN's Security Clearance examines national and global security, terrorism and intelligence, as well as the economic, military, political and diplomatic effects of it around the globe, with contributions from CNN's national security team in Washington and CNN journalists around the world.